Optoma is stepping into new territory with the Photon Go, a compact ultra-short throw (UST) projector that’s designed to bring big-screen entertainment just about anywhere. As the first release in Optoma’s brand-new Photon series, the Optoma Photon Go mixes portability with advanced laser tech—something that’s not easy to find in the projector world, especially when it comes to ultra-short throw models.
First things first: the Photon Go is tiny—at least, by UST projector standards. Measuring just 252 x 157 x 62 mm and weighing 1.72 kg, it’s light and compact enough to toss in a bag and take with you. That’s a big deal because ultra-short throw projectors usually aren’t known for their portability. They tend to be bulkier since they need special lens systems to project large images from short distances.
The Photon Go also comes with a built-in battery that offers around 1.5 hours of playback without needing to plug in. That’s not quite enough for an epic movie marathon, but it’s perfect for a quick viewing session, a spontaneous outdoor gathering, or even a presentation on the go.
One of the main perks of any UST projector is how little space it needs to work, and the Photon Go is no exception. It can beam out a massive 100-inch image from less than 25 cm away. That means you don’t need to rearrange your entire living room to enjoy a big-screen experience—just set it up close to a wall, and you’re good to go.
Optoma has also made setting up as painless as possible with auto keystone correction and autofocus. No need to fiddle with angles or spend time adjusting the image manually—these features help automatically fix any distortion and sharpen the picture in seconds.
At the heart of the Photon Go is a DLP projection system powered by a triple RGB laser light source. This setup is different from many traditional projectors that rely on lamps or single-laser systems with color wheels. Instead of using a single blue laser with additional color processing, the Photon Go uses separate red, green, and blue lasers for more accurate color reproduction straight out of the box.
Here’s what that means in practice:
In terms of resolution, the Photon Go offers a native 1080p output. While it doesn’t hit 4K territory like some high-end UST projectors, the trade-off helps keep it more affordable and practical for those who don’t need ultra-high-definition for casual viewing.
The projector also features a native contrast ratio of 800:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1. While those numbers suggest it’ll work best in darker spaces, the laser system should help the image hold up reasonably well in environments with some ambient light.
The Photon Go isn’t just a projector—it’s a full-on streaming hub thanks to its built-in Google TV platform. You can dive straight into apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ without plugging in any extra devices. On top of that, with support for Wi-Fi 5, 6, and 7, it should be able to handle most home network setups without a hitch.
If you’re planning to connect other devices, you’ll find an HDMI 2.0 port, a USB-C input for power, a USB-A port for accessories, and an RJ45 control port for wired network connections.
For audio, the projector includes dual 10W speakers with Dolby Audio support. While that might not rival a full surround sound system, it’s a handy feature for those who want a simple, all-in-one experience. And if you want to take the audio up a notch, it supports Bluetooth streaming, allowing you to connect external speakers.
The Optoma Photon Go is expected to hit the market in April 2025 with a price tag of £899 in the UK and €999 in Europe. Pricing details for the US haven’t been officially announced yet, but expect it to be around $1,100.
Optoma has hinted that this is just the beginning for the Photon series, but they haven’t shared any specifics about what other models might be on the horizon.
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